Rev. Dr. Given Katuta Mwelwa has called on Government to demand the immediate return of Broken Hill Man (Kabwe Man) from London.
In a statement, Dr. Mwelwa says it is unacceptable that 104 years after its discovery in Kabwe in 1921, the skull remains at the Natural History Museum in London.
She says if the Netherlands can return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria and France returned Sarah Baartman to South Africa in 2002, Zambia should also have its heritage returned.
Dr. Mwelwa has questioned why Zambians must obtain a British visa and travel thousands of kilometres to see heritage discovered on Zambian soil.
She says scientific importance should not be used as a permanent excuse to keep the skull abroad, as international cooperation can protect research while allowing Zambians to reconnect with their history.
She has noted that UNESCO in 2024 recommended a roadmap between Zambia and the UK for repatriation, with a report expected in 2026, and has called on Government to tell citizens what progress has been made and what happens next.
She has urged Government not to allow the matter to disappear into diplomatic files, and has called on the British Government to show genuine partnership by listening to Zambia.
According to Dr. Mwelwa, the heritage belongs in Zambia where it can be studied and passed to future generations, adding that the target should be to bring Broken Hill Man home in 2027.-muvitv